Second Chance to Make a Great First Impression? Think Again!

How long does it take someone to form an opinion about your business? How long would it take to turn a negative opinion around?

Everyone has busy days. Those days when the phone is ringing off the hook and you’re in the middle of a big project for a client. When you answer the phone, are you making the best first impression for your business?

It takes seconds (or less) to form an opinion of someone; and these precious moments stand the test of time. Studies on the “Perseverance Effect” show that people tend to hold true to their first impressions, even in spite of new evidence to the contrary. If your potential client is greeted by someone in a rush, they might think you’re too busy to help them and could continue to harbour that opinion despite attempts to WOW later.

However, you can be the architect of your own first impression! A phone call is often the first interaction potential clients have with your business. Think about what you would like to hear when making that initial call: A warm, friendly, live person? Responsiveness? Helpfulness? When picking up the phone, remember that every call is an opportunity to put your best foot forward. And if you WOW them the first time, that fantastic first impression will stick with them, too!

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER
After 5 years overseeing Ruby’s digital marketing and social media channels and cofounding the Ruby Experience Department (now Employee Engagement and Learning & Development), Katie found her calling in instructional design. Merging her passions for communication, branding, and storytelling, she designs memorable classroom experiences and engaging eLearning courses which empower all employees to make real, meaningful connections.

Katie holds a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature from Smith College, and is an active member of ATD (Association of Talent Development).